Extreme heat warnings have been distributed throughout Los Angeles County and California in recent weeks, raising concerns among the student body regarding potential fire hazards.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued firefighter resources to be administered in areas where red flag warnings have raised concern for elevated wildfire danger. The Los Angeles and Ventura counties are both included in these high risk areas, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Francesca Varese ’26 said she is reminded of the fires that took place earlier this year.
“I feel scared because I remember how terrible last January was for our whole community, and I’m overall worried about how the start of my senior year could be impacted,” Varese said. “I am also worried about the future because this is a clear sign of climate change.”
Waller Morton ’27 expressed similar concerns regarding possible wildfires after the recent incidents in January.
“The fire warnings are especially scary after witnessing the destruction of the Palisades fires,” Morton said.
Olivia Wiczyk ’28 said that the warnings issued also raise serious concerns about our current environmental stability.
“The recent heat and fire warnings are concerning,” Wiczyk said. “I’m worried about our safety and how it’s affecting the environment around us. It shows how important it is for us to take climate change seriously and be prepared for emergencies.”
Lulu Aridi ’27 says she is concerned for the wellbeing of the school’s students.
“I think there’s definitely a noticeable difference in the rising temperatures in the city, and although for the most part the students and staff are kept safe and healthy with conditioned classrooms and indoor seating, we should make sure to keep in mind the safety of student athletes who practice for hours outdoors in the sweltering heat,” Aridi said.
Vik Bakaya ’26 doesn’t expect the weather to create a daily issue for him but is concerned about broader implications.
“Frankly, the heat wave doesn’t have a significant impact on my day to day,” Bakaya said. “I do have grandparents that live at home though, and the alerts keep saying that older people are more vulnerable. The extreme heat seems to be getting worse every year so I wonder if there is a climate change aspect to it.”
Visual Arts teacher and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Limerick said the recent notifications have encouraged her to be more cognizant of the environment.
“When I see the heat warnings I feel the urgent need for climate action,” Limerick said. “I think about the devastating wildfires earlier this year and fear it will become a regular occurrence if we don’t make drastic changes. Breaking new weather records every year is not normal.”
